What Is Global Developmental Delay (GDD)?
Children and babies learn important developmental skills as they grow up. This includes sitting up, crawling, walking, babbling and talking. These skills are known as developmental milestones. Global development delay defines a condition that delays physical and cognitive development in children from birth to 18 years old. Children with GDD don’t gain the developmental skills expected for children of the same age.
Global development delay is caused by an alteration in the functioning of the central nervous system. It is usually characterised by lower intellectual functioning and certain limitations in at least two other areas of development.
Global developmental delay has many causes that often go undetermined. Early intervention and therapy can support the healthy development of skills for children with GDD.
Global Developmental Delay in Children
Parents usually learn about the global developmental delay after their child is born. This could be due to a problem occurring before birth, during birth, or after birth during early childhood.
Global development delay is diagnosed when children don’t reach two main developmental milestones. These milestones relate to cognitive skills, motor skills, speech and language, and emotional and social skills. If a child is suspected of having a developmental delay, a paediatrician is usually the one that will make the diagnosis.
Getting an early diagnosis is essential because it helps uncover other underlying conditions that may be causing GDD. This can help children get the right level of support they need.
Global Developmental Delay in Adults
Although the initial signs and symptoms are noticeable in children, global developmental delay can continue into adulthood and may be diagnosed as a developmental disability. In most cases, developmental delay doesn’t continue to adulthood and can be overcome during the early years of childhood.
Adults with global developmental delay may experience certain developmental difficulties in multiple areas of daily activities, such as:
- Learning activities
- Developing cognitive skills
- Self-reliance
- Personal-care and self-care skills
- Motor and mobility activities
Symptoms of Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
The signs of global developmental delay vary depending on the person’s unique characteristics. For some children, the first signs may appear during the first months of life and in other cases, the signs may be evident as soon as children start attending school.
The most common signs of global developmental delay include:
- Speech difficulties
- Slower learning pace
- Not reaching developmental milestones
- Difficulty with communication and socialisation with other children or adults
- Difficulty remembering or acquiring new information
- Learning difficulties while attending classes
- Challenges with problem-solving skills
Noticing the signs early can help parents learn about their child’s differences and unique abilities on time. Early assessment and intervention allow children to gain new skills and an improved quality of life.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills that most children acquire at a certain age. Most healthcare professionals use these milestones to follow children’s progress and developmental pace, as every milestone is related to the cognitive, physical and social functions a child shows at a certain age.
Every child is unique, but there are specific age timeframes when certain milestones should be met. Developmental milestones are physical and behavioural signs of the development of babies and children, such as rolling over, babbling, crawling, walking and talking. These signs provide essential information about children’s early development. All of the milestones are different for each age, and they emerge over time as they form building blocks for continued learning. These milestones can be divided into:
- Motor skills development – jumping, hopping, throwing, drawing
- Social interaction – group play and peer contact
- Self-care – eating, washing, dressing
- Cognitive skills – problem-solving, reasoning, thinking and understanding
All children develop at their own pace, so it shouldn’t be alarming if a child takes a slightly different pace and course. Some children even skip milestones, while others may take more time to perform a specific task.
What Causes Global Developmental Delay?
Global developmental delay describes a set of developmental delays, but it is not a specific diagnosis. Children may experience this kind of delay due to many factors.
Genetics play an essential role in children’s development and developing GDD. Premature birth is also linked to GDD. After birth, head trauma or infections are also related to GDD.
Global Developmental Delay Diagnosis
A diagnosis of global developmental delay is given when children don’t reach two or more milestones in multiple areas of development. Healthcare professionals observe children for a certain period, and if necessary, they will make a referral for further assessment.
Diagnosing GDD involves a team of specialists consisting of paediatricians, behavioural specialists, child psychiatrists and GPs. GDD assessment is also based on genetics, psychology and even physical therapy and nutrition.
There are cases with misdiagnosis of GDD with Autism.
The Link Between GDD and Intellectual Disability (ID)
As mentioned, the term global developmental delay is generally used for children younger than five who show a delay in reaching certain developmental milestones. Mild GDD can be overcome with exercises, therapy and early intervention.
Some cognitive developmental delays that prolong into adulthood may lead to a later diagnosis of intellectual disability, a term used to describe a delay in intellectual development that can vary from mild to more prominent.
Global Developmental Delay Treatment
The treatment plan often involves developing a network of support, such as parents, carers, support workers and professionals that will help children with the day-to-day challenges of GDD. Treatments will also work differently for different people. Some of the most common forms of treatment and support include:
- Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Behavioural Therapy
With compassionate support and care, children diagnosed with GDD can learn the necessary skills and live fulfilled lives in their community.
Support with Unique Community Services for People With Global Developmental Delay (GDD)?
At Unique Community Services, we are dedicated to championing a person-centred care approach that always puts people’s needs and preferences first. Through this approach, we create an empowering environment where the people we serve feel actively involved in their own care.
Our dedication extends beyond theory as we actively train our clinicians to apply Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies in their daily activities. We strive to make a transformative impact on healthcare, and by utilising this approach, we can achieve better health outcomes.
For more information regarding our proactive services, contact our offices in Bristol and Manchester, or contact us directly.
